Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 488 - 324: Pleading Guilty

Xia Qing sneered inwardly. Isn’t it all about wanting a promotion?

"Don’t worry, Assistant Reader Tong. As long as this matter is handled well, it’s not impossible for you to enter the Cabinet."

Tong Zhouyi’s face instantly lit up with joy. The Cabinet is where all Hanlin officials aspire to be. Even if the rank isn’t high, the power is no less than that of the Six Ministries.

"I will undoubtedly live up to the Grand Secretary’s expectations." By now, Tong Zhouyi had long since thrown caution to the wind, forgetting the fear and trepidation he’d felt earlier about this matter.

Tong Zhouyi, having secured Xia Qing’s promise and discussed the audience with Xia Qing, left satisfied. Watching Tong Zhouyi’s retreating figure, Xia Qing scoffed. If he wants to enter the Cabinet, let’s see if he can handle this task.

"Emperor, the Imperial Physician has advised that you mustn’t overwork yourself!" De’an saw the Emperor rubbing his temples, looking very weary, and quickly stepped forward to lay his hands on the Emperor’s forehead, gently massaging it.

"These past two days, I’ve been unwell, and yet so many memorials pile up on my desk. Even resting, I can’t eat or sleep at ease!"

The Emperor closed his eyes, enjoying the not-too-hard-or-soft massage from De’an, leaning back into his chair, relaxing a little. He had intended to hold on and attend court yesterday, but midway, he felt too exhausted and had to return.

De’an actually understood that the Emperor was still upset with the Eldest Prince. Previously, the Emperor often engaged in Alchemy, sometimes throwing the memorials to the Cabinet, only reviewing significant matters personally.

Since a few days ago when the Eldest Prince was involved in the imperial exam fraud case, and the Emperor fainted with anger, he’s been much more attentive to court affairs than before. De’an vaguely heard something about Silver while outside the Imperial Study Room; it reminded him of the hidden silver found in Wan Xue Nian’s villa that was never mentioned by the Emperor.

If it was the Eldest Prince’s attempt to frame someone, then where did the nearly 200,000 taels of silver come from? Using such a large sum for framing is indeed quite something. Besides Alchemy, the Emperor is usually quite frugal.

Xiao Quanzi peeped inside from outside the Imperial Study Room; De’an immediately shot him a glare. However, he also knew there must be some matter.

Xiao Quanzi was also troubled. The Eldest Prince came to attend to the Emperor’s illness daily, but since the Emperor woke up, he had thrown the Eldest Prince out, forbidding him from entering the Imperial Study Room or Yangxin Hall. Now, the Eldest Prince was kneeling outside the Imperial Study Room, looking unwell, as if he couldn’t hold on any longer.

As he stayed outside the Imperial Study Room, he wouldn’t be to blame if the Eldest Prince fainted. But if the Eldest Prince did faint, the Emperor might blame him, as it was clear to anyone that the Emperor had a soft spot for the Eldest Prince.

Xiao Quanzi could only resort to informing Chief Chen. Watching the Eldest Prince kneel there resolutely, he couldn’t help but admire the Eldest Prince’s determination. It had been three hours already.

The Eldest Prince had been kneeling outside the Imperial Study Room since the Emperor prohibited him from attending morning court, only returning to his residence when the palace gates locked at nightfall. The Emperor didn’t comment, simply ignoring and not listening to pleas from anyone.

The Second Prince entered the palace gates and headed straight for the Imperial Study Room. Even from a distance, he noticed the kneeling Eldest Prince. He paused mid-step, clenched his fists, then released them after a moment and quickly walked toward the Eldest Prince.

"Brother!" The Second Prince stopped beside the Eldest Prince.

The Eldest Prince opened his mouth, a hoarse voice coming from his throat, "Second Brother, you’ve come?"

Since waking up in the morning, he hadn’t had a drop of water. His throat was painfully parched. But he dared not leave; his father had yet to forgive him. He must show his sincerity.

The Eldest Prince sneered internally, was his father truly angry over those merchants? Did his father not have any idea of how to accumulate such wealth through business?

His father wanted all the benefits but none of the blame. It’s like the saying among common folks, wanting to be both a prostitute and a virtuous woman.

Displaying such a pained and worried demeanor now, but eventually expecting to take the fall himself. Fortunately, he had prepared a contingency, leaving some of the silver behind. People said he was favored by his father, but he felt confused, often feeling his father’s warmth and coldness, wondering if it was just his imagination. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Brother! Has father not calmed down yet? You’ve knelt for two days now, how can you endure it? I’ll go to plead with father." The Second Prince showed concern, his face gravely serious.

The Eldest Prince inwardly mocked. This situation was most pleasing to the Second and Third Princes. The Third Prince was still confined to his residence, leaving only the Second Prince to assist their father. Unexpectedly, the biggest winner this time was the Second Prince.

"Don’t worry, Second Brother. I did wrong, and father punishing me is justified." Since the matter was already public knowledge, there was no need to hide it. As long as it wasn’t made explicit, paired with their father’s favoritism, who could really challenge him?

Indeed, regarding the matter of the silver, their father would certainly find a way to protect him, as long as a pretext could be found, resulting in a lenient punishment. The silver could easily be pinned on others; as long as the framing centered on Wan Xue Nian and Song Shuqing, even if they didn’t participate in the exam fraud, explaining the silver’s origin would be difficult.

Guo Shi knew little, only aware of the framing tactics, and the silver’s origin was left unclear. The adviser didn’t know much about the silver either, but Liu Dong was the biggest concern. As long as their father didn’t want to lift the veil, Liu Dong wouldn’t be questioned. Didn’t their father vent his anger elsewhere lately while never mentioning Liu Dong?

So, the Eldest Prince wasn’t worried, believing he might be confined to his residence for a short period, but eventually, he’d atone for his deeds.

"Then I’ll take my leave for now." The Second Prince’s simple expression showed furrowed brows, still appearing worried for the Eldest Prince, before heading toward Xiao Quanzi.

All the ministers said the Second Prince had a gentle nature, but the Eldest Prince didn’t believe it. As a prince, who is truly innocent? First, he would deal with the Third Prince, then turn his attention to the Second Prince.

"Your servant greets Your Highness, Second Prince!" Xiao Quanzi had already noticed the Second Prince and respectfully greeted him as he approached.

"No need for formalities. Is my father available?" The Second Prince listened intently for any sound from the Imperial Study Room but heard none.

"Please wait a moment, Your Highness. I’ll go report to him immediately!" Xiao Quanzi took two steps back and entered the Imperial Study Room.

"Your servant greets the Emperor. The Second Prince requests an audience!" Against De’an’s sharp gaze, Xiao Quanzi bolstered his courage and reported to the Emperor.

He understood the Emperor was exhausted, but the Emperor hadn’t mentioned not interrupting. With De’an attending inside, and himself guarding the door, he wasn’t overstepping.

De’an narrowed his eyes, recognizing Xiao Quanzi’s intention.

The Emperor opened his eyes, his voice cold as he spoke, "Is it the Second Prince? Let him in."

"Yes!" Xiao Quanzi carefully retreated, having noticed the warning glare from Chief Chen. It seemed he would need to be cautious for a while.